Wireless Networks - Tips & Advice

Avoid the common mistakes made when setting up a wireless network

When setting up a wireless network many people simply plug in their wireless router into the nearest, most accessible place. There are however a number of factors which will affect the performance of your wireless router and by following our Tips to Boost & Improve Your Wireless Network you could see a dramatic improvement in your wireless signal strength and a faster, more reliable connection speed.

Tips to Boost & Improve Your Wireless Networks

Positioning your wireless router
Keep your wireless router or modem away from Microwaves they degrade the wireless signal while in operation.
Power cycle your wireless router or modem once every two or three months
To do this turn off the device, unplug it from the main socket wait 30 seconds, plug it back to the main socket and turn it on.
Keep other wireless home appliances away from wireless routers and modems
Other home appliances include some microwave ovens, cordless telephones, baby monitors, and home automation equipment like X-10 devices. Any appliance that transmits in the same general range as 802.11b or 802.11g (2.4 GHz) can generate interference.
Position your router or modem higher
Wireless routers & modems should always be placed in a higher spot so that computers are at least half a metre below it.
Avoid interference
Likewise, install the wireless router or modem away from electrical equipment such as electrical boards, that also generates interference. Avoid electric fans, other motors, and fluorescent lighting.
Adjust the antenna
Consider adjusting the base station antennas to improve performance. Antennas on wireless access points and routers can usually be rotated or otherwise re-pointed to "fine tune" Wi-Fi signaling. Follow the specific manufacturer's recommendations for best results.
Find a central location
Place your wireless router or modem in a central location in your home because the router's signal is broadcast in the shape of a sphere. If your wireless router is against an outside wall of your home, the signal will be weak on the other side of your home. Don't worry if you can't move your wireless router, because there are many other ways to improve your connection.
Add a wireless repeater
Wireless repeaters extend your wireless network range without requiring you to add any wiring. Just place the wireless repeater halfway between your wireless access point and your computer, and you'll get an instant boost to your wireless signal strength. Check out the wireless repeaters from ViewSonic, D-Link, Linksys, Netgear and Buffalo Technology.
Change your wireless channel
Many wireless adapters come with a client software that enables the user to view the wireless channel they are using, this will also tell you which channel the networks in your proximity are using choosing a channel that is not being used by any network in your proximity will improve the signal strength. This step should be followed when the user notices a certain slowdown in their network as someone in the user’s proximity might have decide to change channels and use the same channel.
Upgrade 802.11b devices to 802.11g.
802.11b is the most common type of wireless network, but 802.11g is about five times faster. 802.11g is backward-compatible with 802.11b, so you can still use any 802.11b equipment that you have. If you're using 802.11b and you're unhappy with the performance, consider replacing your router and network adapters with 802.11g-compatible equipment. If you're buying new equipment, definitely choose 802.11g.

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